Wisconsin Administrative Code Elections Commission
Here’s a well-rounded summary of the Wisconsin Administrative Code under the Elections Commission (EL chapters):
📘 Code Structure & Key Chapters
The EL chapters regulate various aspects of elections and administration under the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC). Highlights include:
EL 1 – Definitions & scope
EL 2 – Election‑related petitions
EL 3 – Voter registration (e.g., forms, deadlines)—see section EL 3.01 for key definitions such as “close of registration,” which is set at the third Wednesday before an election (law.cornell.edu, werc.wi.gov, docs.legis.wisconsin.gov)
EL 9 – Observer conduct and prohibitions at polling places (e.g., no electioneering, crowd control) (wisconsinexaminer.com)
EL 11 – Training and certification of election inspectors, covering certification requirements, qualifications, responsibilities, and waivers (law.cornell.edu)
Other chapters regulate absentee ballots, recounts, petition signatures, campaign finance forms, election results canvassing, and voting machines.
For authoritative versions of all EL chapters, refer to the Wisconsin Legislature's Administrative Code site (docs.legis.wisconsin.gov).
⚖️ Statutory Role of WEC
Under Wis. Stat. § 7.08, the Elections Commission has broad administrative powers to:
Prescribe ballot and form formats
Oversee certification of voting machines and public offices
Issue forms and templates to municipal clerks (law.justia.com)
📣 Recent Administrative Rules & Updates
Election observer conduct rule (EL 4):
On June 23, 2025, WEC approved a new permanent rule defining the roles, boundaries, restroom access, media presence, and powers to call law enforcement for observers. This rule becomes effective August 1, 2025 (wisconsinexaminer.com).
Hand‑counting ballots in small communities:
On May 30, 2025, WEC decided that municipalities with fewer than 7,500 residents may hand-count ballots, provided they still offer at least one accessible electronic machine to comply with the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) (apnews.com).
Federal complaint procedure under HAVA:
In June 2025, the DOJ cited Wisconsin for failing to maintain an independent administrative complaint process under HAVA—particularly when WEC itself is the subject—potentially affecting future federal funding (justice.gov).
✅ Summary Table
| Topic | EL Chapter(s) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Definitions & scope | EL 1, EL 2 | Core terms, petitions |
| Voter registration rules | EL 3 | Forms, deadlines |
| Observer conduct & boundaries | EL 9, new EL 4 | Polling place conduct, media rules |
| Inspector certification/training | EL 11 | Standards and maintenance |
| Absentee, recounts, & more | EL 5–EL 10+ | Various procedural rules |
🧭 Where to Access the Code
Wisconsin Legislature Administrative Code: Official and current versions of EL chapters (law.cornell.edu, wilawlibrary.gov, wisconsinexaminer.com, lwm-info.org, docs.legis.wisconsin.gov)
Law Cornell LII, Justia, regulatory sites: Summaries and explanatory notes (verify with Legislature) (law.cornell.edu)
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